Loose Change: 10/3/08

By Mary Pilon

Remembering when the Dow was always well below 2,000 points. (laserportraits.tumblr.com)

Personal Finance:
-There’s been much hullabaloo about the federal housing bill, but your state might also offer some options if you’re facing foreclosure. [Bankrate]
-We don’t endorse taking all of your money and shoving it in a mattress, nor do we endorse stashing your savings in a safe deposit box. But they are handy for those precious heirlooms and important documents. [Blueprint for Financial Prosperity]
-Schools are strapped for cash. Have school fundraisers gone overboard? [MSN Money]

Investing:
-Despite the housing market woes, equity REITs are doing well! [BullBearTrader]
-Because of their similar names, money markets and money funds are often confused, yet they are totally different financial products. [CNNMoney]
-What do you know about mutual funds? Take a quiz and find out. [Kiplinger]

Other Lint:
-A brief history of recessions since 1948, with an interactive graphic. [Harvard Business via Consumerist]
-The bailout act we’ve been hearing about is jam-packed with a flurry of bizarre tax measures. Clearly, measures relating to motorsports, wool and wooden arrows for children will help us climb out of this mess. [BigMoney]
-Here is a collection of awesome photos with that even more awesome laser backdrop to remind you that the 80s will haunt you forever. Happy Friday! [LASERS!]